Guiding Principles

Humans have adapted their habitations to local conditions and functional needs for millennia, the manifestations of which have simply evolved within an increasingly interconnected context. As the pressures on global ecosystems have become measurable and increasingly well-documented, what was originally an innate sense of man’s relationship to the natural world has become a branch of biological studies – - ecology – - that has evolved to inform the very basis for the manner in which human developments can occur in cooperation with natural systems. As such, we strive to follow 2 core principles in our work, and the following is an overview of our methodology as it incorporates these principles:

Principle I: Learn from the past, adapt to the present and anticipate the future

“Well building hath but three conditions – - commodity, firmness and delight…”

The core elements of Watershed’s aspirations for design quality – - and indeed the crux of “sustainable” design in general – - can be traced to around 27 BC in translation of the Roman architect Vitruvius’ famous maxim. In extrapolating its meaning through the jargon of the day – - performance, health and aesthetics – - we have found the central guideposts of our sense of “good design” and seek to balance these concerns on a project-specific basis.

Performance (“commodity”)

Spatial function: The physical configuration of all spaces – - internal and external – - should work seamlessly to support and enhance occupant patterns of living in a pleasant yet efficient manner.

Comfort: The total environment, both internal and external, must support occupant enjoyment. Quality and function of systems as well as control of natural light and air flow is critical to this end.

Economics: Final outcome should fall within the Client’s budgetary parameters. The design process must be disciplined by regular attendance to cost control through the involvement of a builder. However, decisions should be made with respect to life-cycle cost of materials and systems. A higher investment in energy efficient construction will result in lower initial equipment cost, as well as lower operating and maintenance costs over the long term. Furthermore, efficient use of materials and space should either create net savings or allow a greater investment in areas otherwise under-funded.

Health (“firmness”)

Micro-environmental: Materials and systems must be specified and utilized in such a manner that avoids introduction or exposures to toxins or otherwise potentially harmful conditions. This includes proper management of moisture and biological pollutants through effective ventilation and control of the indoor environment. Incorporation of the latest in building science is critical to this end.

Macro-environmental: All decisions should be made in a balanced manner with respect to their impact on natural resources and systems. Attention to total building mass and energy use should be given both a sensitive and sensible manner throughout the design and building process.

Safety and Enjoyment: The well-being and accessibility of all ages should by supported; wherever appropriate, the final outcome should exceed the requirements of the building code. Balanced control of natural light, air flow and views should be incorporated such that occupants have a healthy connection with the outdoor environment.

Durability: Materials and systems should be specified and integrated so as to optimize resistance to both the long term effects of daily living as well as environmental exposures.

Technical: Building systems should be integrated and balanced so as to optimize the use of materials and resources while performing in a reliable, efficient and healthy manner.

Aesthetics (“delight”)

Context: The final outcome should be an appropriate extension of existing conditions and harmonious with the ecological and cultural context. At the least, it must evoke a sense of “belonging” in its place.

Client Taste: The final outcome must meet with client expectations, whereby personal predilections and preferences – even idiosyncrasies – - are supported and represented throughout the design and construction process.

Beauty: Educator David Orr states that “if it isn’t beautiful, it isn’t sustainable.” Buildings possessing multivalent, highly functional qualities have an intrinsic value, but those that cooperate with nature while harmonizing with the cultural context in their outward expression can become an enduring architecture worthy of preservation.

Principle II: Think locally, design for place and respect the global context.

Good design takes advantage of the critical conditions of place. Understanding the particulars of local ecological, geographical and climatic conditions is central to producing thoughtful architectural solutions, especially when they celebrate the availability and use of regional materials and building traditions that have stood the test of time. Furthermore, the integration of strategies such as solar energy harvest, water collection and conservation, natural ventilation, beneficial planting and vegetated roofs depends on a keen sense of the local environment. As such, localized design reduces the dependence on high-grade energy resources from far-off places, thus mitigating the global impact of design decisions. For us, the very foundation of this agenda bears upon the following ecological design guideposts:

1. Design to engage the natural cycles and their influence on a specific locale.
Poet and farmer Wendell Berry offers his wisdom regarding design with the following questions: “what is here?”, “what will nature permit us to do here?” and “what can nature help us to do here?”. Our buildings should respect carrying capacity – - their form should follow not just functional parameters but the ecological offerings of a site. Available sun, wind and rainfall can become both qualifiers and quantifiers of architectural content.

2. Design as though none of our waste can go “away”.
From a holistic standpoint, this is a very challenging goal, particularly within urban settings where there are both space limitations and code requirements that preclude biological wastewater management. At the least, however, our design approach can employ strategies that avoid the requisite trips to the landfill and otherwise keep valuable materials in a productive loop.

3. Design as though none of our energy resources are mined, pumped or drilled from the earth’s crust.
Nature does not employ an extractive process of importing its operating energy and sustenance; rather, it functions within a closely held, interconnected context of closed-loop functions. Our buildings should mimic nature’s intelligence by capitalizing on the natural and perpetual energy flows that are a constant in the Earth system.